For the past year, I have been observing, participating in, and reflecting on the ritual life of First Unitarian Church as part of my doctoral work in sociology and liturgical studies. I am grateful for the opportunity to share some of my reflections with you in worship and to invite your comments and questions after the service and by email.

Sarah Kathleen Johnson is a doctoral student based in the Theology Department and affiliated with the Center for the Study of Religion and Society at the University of Notre Dame. Her research focuses on points of connection between increasing non-religion and Christian worship in North America. Sarah is from Ontario and her religious tradition of origin and service is Mennonite.